Buddy Venturella

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Charles Gordon “Buddy” Venturella, 91, of Baxter Springs, Kan. passed from this life on May 30, 2016, after a brief battle with cancer.

Buddy was born December 16, 1924 to Joe and Ethel Venturella in Anadarko, Okla. He had lived in Cherokee County since 1939. He retired from the B.F. Goodrich Tire Company in 1986.

He married Mille Mae Wenzel on June 13, 1946, in Columbus, Kan.

Buddy was a veteran of World War II, joining the U.S. Navy in 1943 and attaining the rank of Boatswains Mate 2nd Class. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Buddy was awarded a high school diploma from Riverton High School in a special “graduation” ceremony in 2008 due to his service in World War II. He was a member of the VFW and the First Christian Church of Galena, Kan.

He enjoyed horses, his dog Pete, gardening, woodworking, country music and coaching his sons’ baseball teams. He valued hard work, honesty and humor, and his handshake was his bond. His magnificent obsession was his family.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Millie Mae, his parents and three brothers: Wayne (Doc) Venturella, Dr. Robert E. (Bob) Venturella, and Richard D. Venturella.

He is survived by three sisters: Bea Reid of Boron, Calif., Gladys Hall of Baxter Springs, and Eva (Henry) Welch of Baxter Springs; two sons: Gordon D. (Resa) of Chicago and Tony D. (Gayle) of Lawrence; four grand-daughters: Tara (Mark) Kinsley of Joplin, Mo., Chelsea (Lt. Justin) Hannon of Kirksville, Mo., Tiffany (Josh) Green of Columbus, Kan. and Caley Jo Venturella of Lawrence; one great grand-daughter, Rebecca Green of Columbus and one great-grandson, C.G. “little Buddy” Caden Hannon of Kirksville, Mo. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives Thursday, June 2, 12:00-1:00 PM at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. His life will be celebrated Thursday, June 2, 1:00 PM at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, Galena. Services officiated by Tony D. Venturella.

Pallbearers will be Mark Kinsley, Josh Green, Lt. Justin Hannon, Henry Welch, Tom Wade, and Jim Martin.

Honorary pallbearers are Rebecca Green and C.G. “Buddy” Hannon.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Buddy Venturella will be honored with military rites.

Suggested memorial contributions in honor of Buddy may be made to

First Christian Church, Galena KS 66739.
Baxter Springs Veterans Memorial.